Universities receive tens of thousands of applications each year, so a personal introduction video can be a way to help candidates stand out.
Some schools in the US such as Bowdoin College, Brown, Chicago... recently require applicants to submit a video introducing themselves during the admissions process. This is one of the ways to add another perspective about the applicant that may not be shown by their resume, academic scores, standardized test scores such as IELTS, SAT, AP scores (advanced classes), awards, extracurricular activities...
Mr. Do Dinh Thuan, assistant professor at Mount Union University, Ohio, shares how to introduce yourself via video to impress the US university admissions board:
A website that allows you to practice interviews and record videos. Screenshot
Video presentation strategy
1. Focus on your personality and share your passion
Some students don’t know what to say and end up spending a lot of their video rehashing experiences and accomplishments they’ve already written about in their essays or resumes. This isn’t the most effective use of your time. Talk about yourself, your passions, your goals, and the other aspects that make you unique and special. You can talk about other passions that you didn’t mention in your application.
2. Try to tell a story
When students don’t know where to start, they run the risk of just listing things they care about. Delivering a message that is too generic will make the video boring. Instead, candidates should try to tell a story that engages the viewer throughout the video.
You can talk about an event that had a significant impact on your life, or talk about how your family's history, culture, or education influenced you. You can also talk about your dreams and what you've done to prepare for them.
Admissions boards at top universities receive tens of thousands of applications each year, so finding a way to showcase yourself through video is a great way to stand out.
Costumes, duration
- The video should start with you saying to the camera: "Hi, my name is (your name), from high school...". Then, you choose your topic to talk about.
- Regarding clothing, you should wear a vest for men and ao dai for women. This shows that you are polite and elegant, helping to make a good impression on the admissions staff. Otherwise, you can wear a school uniform like when going to school.
- Since you are a student, the admissions committee is watching your video to get a sense of who you are, not to judge the quality of the video production. You should simply sit in front of your laptop/camera/tablet/phone and speak.
Check your audio to make sure your audience can see and hear you clearly. After you shoot, check your lighting and review your final product before sending it.
- Video should not be longer than two minutes.
- Shoot your video in landscape mode so the finished product looks easy on the eyes, like the admissions committee is watching the announcer on TV.
Some topics in the video
- What do you love about the place you live or your hometown?
- Share a time when you were moved by a piece of great music or an impressive piece of art.
- What do your friends think of you?
- Describe how you grew as a result of reading a book that changed your perspective.
- Tell us about a meaningful activity or tradition in your family.
- How are you similar or different from your brothers, sisters, or classmates?
- Tell us about your favorite time of day.
Do Dinh Thuan
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